Granada vs Almeria Prediction - An Andalusian Derby That Both Sides Need To Win

Next Sunday, Granada will measure forces with Almeria at Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes for round 37 of Liga BBVA on a match of paramount importance for both sides’ quest against the nightmare of relegation.

After their last minute draw at Anoeta last Monday, Granada grabbed what could prove to be a vital point for them, now that there are only two matches to play until the end of the season. The Nazaríes’ goal was scored by the Nigerian midfielder Odion Ighalo on 93rd minute of the match and worked as a sort of compensation for the hard work the team put in during the entire game, even when playing with just ten men after Recio was sent off early in the second half.

At the end of Anoeta’s match, Granada’s head coach Lucas Alcaraz stated that his side deserved the draw and praised his players’ faith and commitment during the entire match.

Next Sunday’s clash against Almeria is vital for Granada’s aspirations of continue to play at Liga BBVA next season, since, if the team wins, they will reach the 41 points milestone, what should free them from the shadow of relegation that has been taunting the team lately.

For the derby, Lucas Alcaraz will not be able to count on Recio, since, as mentioned, the Spanish midfielder was sent off at Anoeta last Monday.

As for Almeria, the match at Los Cármenes has the same amount of importance as for their rivals. Almeria grabbed their second consecutive win last weekend at the expenses of Real Bétis and bought themselves a ticket away from the relegation zone. The Almiriensistas are going through a positive moment, since after their home defeat against Celta de Vigo three weeks ago they have collected six points from their last two matches. During last week’s match against Real Bétis, Almeria looked somewhat overly confident and allowed the visitors to score twice and to almost claim victory.

For next Sunday’s derby, Almeria’s head coach (Francisco Rodríguez) will not be able to count on the young skilled Spanish midfielder Suso, who arrived at the team this season on loan from Liverpool, since he was sent off due to a rough tackle during the match against Real Bétis, and on the Spanish midfielder Verza, who is still sidelined due to injury.

When both sides met at Almeria back in January, the home side smashed Granada 3-0, thanks to goals from Dubarbier, Verza, and Vidal. Next Sunday’s match outcome will probably not be so prolific as far as goals go, since it will be a very close match between two sides thirsty for points, which can save both teams from being relegated.

Granada

Stats: W-11 L-20 D-5

Recent Form - LWLLD

Almería

Stats: W-10 L-20 D-6

Recent Form - LLLWW

Possible Line-ups

Granada (4-3-3) - Roberto - Nyom - Ilori- Murillo- Foulquier - F. Rico - Ighalo - Iturra - Brahimi - El Arabi - Riki

Almería (4-2-3-1) – Esteban, Rafita, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Mané, Verza, Corona, Jonathan, Soriano, Vidal, O. Díaz

Prediction

Granada 2 Almeria 1